Research Assistant Aquaponics Genomics
- Employer
- Kentucky State University
- Location
- Frankfort, KY
View more
- Administrative Jobs
- Academic Affairs, Research Staff & Technicians
- Employment Type
- Full Time
- Institution Type
- Four-Year Institution
Job Details
Under the supervision of the Faculty/Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Associate – Aquaponics Genomics position, will perform research and Extension activities within the College of Agriculture, Communities, and the Sciences (CACS) Aquaculture Program at Kentucky State University. This appointment is 100% research. This is a grant funded position. The duration of the approved funding is four years. No guarantee of the position continuing beyond that period is made or implied.
PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF JOB: To conduct research activities in aquaponics within the College of Agriculture, Community, and the Sciences (CACS) Aquaculture Program at Kentucky State University. The appropriate candidate will some practical experience in aquaponics, aquaculture, and/or hydroponics. Experience in microbiology and/or genomics is preferred.
SCOPE OF RESPONSIBILITY: The Research Assistant – Aquaponics Genomics will perform research activities within the College of Agriculture, Communities, and the Sciences (CACS) Aquaculture Program at Kentucky State University. The primary job responsibility will be to accomplish funded research objectives including evaluating microbial nutrient cycling dynamics in aquaponics, performing Next Generation Sequencing to assess the microbiome of plant roots and system water, conducting laboratory-based microbial assessment of aquaponic systems, assisting in management of replicated research systems, providing facility tours, assisting stakeholders with questions related to aquaculture and aquaponics, and other duties as required. Some travel related to the above responsibilities, approximately 10%, is required.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: (ex: duties that are essential to performing the job with or without an accommodation)
1. Responsible for conducting research on microbial nutrient cycling in aquaponic systems.
2. Perform laboratory assessment of microbial populations from aquaponic system water and plant products.
3. Perform fish husbandry activities and data collection.
4. Perform plant propagation activities and data collection.
5. Maintain detailed data in proper spreadsheet layout.
6. Work with graduate and undergraduate students assisting in aquaponics research.
7. Assist with publishing peer-reviewed journals.
8. Support and participate in outreach activities related to aquaponics.
OTHER DUTIES:
This position will conduct other duties as required.
QUALIFICATIONS: B.S. in Aquaculture, Agriculture, Biology, Biotechnology, or related field.
Licensing and Certifications: NA
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, and ABILITIES:
• Knowledge of aquaculture, hydroponics, and/or aquaponics.
• Understanding of microbiology laboratory methods and/or practical experience in Next Generation Sequencing is preferred.
• Effective oral and writing skills.
• Computer literacy.
• Ability to work with minimum supervision, but cooperatively work with others.
• Initiative, resourcefulness, punctuality, and ability to work independently are essential.
• Ability to organize a diverse workload.
• Exhibit professional and personable demeanor.
• Ability to work with groups from K-12 to senior citizens.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license.
• Travel and overnight stays may be necessary (approximately 10% of total work).
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
This position will be responsible for supervising high school and undergraduate students.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: (examples provided below)
• May work outside in adverse weather conditions.
• Work involves considerable exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures and humidity.
• Extensive physical activity. Requires strenuous physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects over 50 pounds.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks, which require following basic safety precautions.
• This job involves travel. The position will have statewide responsibilities. Out of state travel may be necessary to attend conferences or other events.
Organization
Our Mission
Kentucky State University is the state's unique, small, liberal studies institution with the lowest student-faculty ratio in the state system. The University shall serve as a residential institution with a range of traditional collegiate programs appropriate to its unique role.
Geographic Region
Kentucky State University's geographic region shall be state-wide for its liberal studies mission, its land grant functions, and its service to state government. In addition, Kentucky State University's primary service area for commuting students shall be for Franklin and contiguous counties.
Institutional Admission Standards
Kentucky State University shall admit students to the institution under selective admission standards to which exceed the minimum guidelines established by the Council on Higher Education, with only limited exceptions. Institutional policy for admitting under-prepared students, including the removal of academic deficiencies within a specified time frame. Through this approach, the University seeks to provide broad access and high-quality programs.
Degree Levels
Selected associate and baccalaureate degree programs shall be oriented toward liberal studies and selected career opportunities related to state government services. Kentucky State University shall offer selected master's degree programs based on demonstrated need, with priority given to a public administration curriculum to meet the needs of state government.
Strategic Directions/Program Priorities
The University shall focus on liberal studies programming. Drawing upon its African-American heritage, the University will promote the values and methods of interdisciplinary and multicultural education in its liberal studies offerings. All students shall participate in common curricula that explore the liberal studies. Drawing upon the multicultural strengths of the University, emphasis shall be placed on preparing minority students for careers in education and in other selected professions including business, computer science, nursing, human services, and public services. These strategic priorities translate into a core of liberal arts baccalaureate degree programs, in addition to degree programs at the associate [A], baccalaureate [B], and master's [M] levels that may include the following: education [B]; business [B]; computer science [A,B]; nursing [A]; home economics [B]; human services [B]; and public administration [B,M].
Enhancement of Instruction
The University shall emphasize teaching. Meeting student needs shall be paramount. The University shall focus on the needs of its students, which include, but are not limited to, full-time and part-time residential students, commuting students from its primary service area, and state governmental employees.
Service and Research Functions
Kentucky State University, as the 1890 land grant institution in the system, shall carry out its responsibilities under federal law and participate fully in appropriate U.S. Department of Agriculture programs, in accord with the mission of the University.
Kentucky State University shall be the major repository for the collection of books, records, and artifacts relative to the history and status of African-American citizens of the Commonwealth and elsewhere. The University shall make such materials available for casual and scholarly study.
Kentucky State University shall focus on meeting the applied research and service needs of state government.
Collaborative Ventures
The priority master's degree program offered by Kentucky State University shall be carefully articulated with related doctoral programs offered by the doctoral-granting institutions in the system. The University shall develop and employ telecommunication resources to communicate with other institutions in the fulfillment of its mission. Curriculum development shall emphasize the transfer of credits form other institutions toward degree completion.
Kentucky State University shall promote cost effectiveness in academic programming and institutional management. Strategic planning resulting in the elimination of duplicative or non-productive programs is essential while the development of carefully selected new programs compatible with the mission is appropriate. Measures of quality and performance shall be the foundation of the University's accountability system which promotes the continuous improvement of programs and services.
Efficiency and Effectiveness
Kentucky State University shall promote cost effectiveness in academic programming and institutional management. Strategic planning resulting in the elimination of duplicative or non-productive programs is essential while the development of carefully selected new programs compatible with the mission is appropriate. Measures of quality and performance shall be the foundation of the University's accountability system which promotes the continuous improvement of programs and services.
- Website
- http://www.kysu.edu/
- Telephone
- 502-597-6000
- Location
-
400 E Main St
Frankfort
Kentucky
40601
US
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